Often Nagarjuni Caves are joined with the nearby Barabar Caves in one group of monuments. They share many similarities and have several unique peculiarities. Unfortunately bad criminal situation in the area has not helped to boost the popularity of this mysterious monument.

Description of caves

Gopi (Gopi-ka-Kubha, milkmaid) is a cave available by stepping up a flight of megalithic steps. It has got the largest chamber in group. Cave contains several important inscriptions, some of these testify that son of Ashoka – Dasaratha (reigned in 232 - 224 BC) – has devoted these caves to Ajivika – thus these structures might be some 50 years younger than caves at Barabar. It is possible that the cave was used also in the middle of 19th century by some Islamic eremites. Cave is 12.3 m long and 5.8 m wide, both ends of chamber are semi-circular. Roof is vaulted, up to 3.2 m high. Also this cave has polished walls and floor.

North from Nagarjuna Cave there is the second cave – Mirza Mandi (house of Mirza). Next to it there is a dry well – this can explain the other name of it - Vahiyaka, Vapuiyaka Kubha, Vapya-ka-Kubha – cave of the well. Nearby there are remnants of several buildings – possibly viharas - Buddhist shrines. Cave contains inscription: "The Vahiyaka Cave was assigned by Dasaratha, His Sacred Majesty, immediately after his consecration, to the venerable Ajivikas, for as long as sun and moon endure." (4) Other caves have similar inscriptions, just the name of cave is different.

Through an enormous crevice one can reach the third cave – Vedathika Kubha (Vadithi ka Kubha, Vadathi ka Kubha).

Although caves might have been created for Ajivika, it is possible that some caves containes Buddhist stupas at some time as well.